US20090318247A1 - Golf ball proximity to hole measurement - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for accurately measuring the distance between a golf ball and the hole on a putting green, i.e., for determining proximity, especially in golf competitions to see who can hit their ball onto the green to end up in closest proximity to the hole. An accessory to the measurement device is a proximity sign for recording the proximity measurements. The invention comprises apparatus and method for conveniently storing and using the measurement device(s). For proximity measurements, the device is configured to removably and repositionably attach a tape measure to a flag pin (generally the flag pin in the hole on the green in contest). The proximity sign is similarly configured. For storage of a device when not in use, the devices include spring clips and an optional security ring to impede unauthorized removal from the flag pin.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to apparatus ancillary to equipment used to play golf and, more particularly apparatus for measuring distance of a golf ball from the hole on a putting green.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• During the play of the game of golf it is often desirable to determine, while on the putting green and ready to putt, who is “away”, i.e., whose ball is furthest from the hole, because that determines the first person required to putt. As is often the case, individual players may be close enough in distance from the hole in different directions around the hole, that it is difficult to ascertain who is away. This is typically resolved by either pacing the distance from the hole to each ball on the green, or alternatively, by using a crude measuring device such as the golf hole flag stick (pin), golf clubs, or the like. Such methods of measuring are either inaccurate, or cumbersome, or both.
• The issue of distance from the hole becomes even more critical when players are involved in a contest to determine whose ball stops moving in closest proximity to the hole when hit onto the green. In such a contest, even fractions of an inch can determine a winner among many different players of the contested hole. Side bets may be involved, and the situation is ripe for cheating and arguments, if not physical fights, especially if a means for accurate and consistent distance measurement isn't available. Therefore an accurate measurement device, particularly one having a built-in enforcement of consistent measurement method is needed. For example, the measurement can be made from the edge of the cup in the hole, the center of the hole, or the side of the pin (flag stick) in the cup; to the side or the center of the ball. Furthermore, the “side” of the hole or ball could be the nearest or the farthest side. Consistent choices for all of these factors must be made by every player on the subject green. Even given consistent choices, accuracy of measurement will also be affected by how accurately the measurer estimates the location of “nearest/farthest side” or “center”, possibly having to take into account parallax.
• Often in such “closest to the pin” contests, an actual measurement number is not used, but rather a “proximity marker” is used to physically indicate where the previously closest ball was located. The marker is typically a pointed spike (ground stake) supporting a small sign board upon which player's names are placed in sequence as each following name applies to a closer proximity than the preceding ones. The closest proximity so far is marked by pressing the stake into the ground, and the bottom name indicates the achiever of that closest position.
• The described type of proximity marker causes greens maintenance issues wherein holes left by the ground stake of a typical proximity marker are damaging to the bent grass on the green. The round hole perhaps a half inch in diameter that is left by a proximity marker stake is too big to close easily and thus leaves a spot for foreign grass seed to access the underlying dirt, plant itself and grow where it is not wanted. Therefore there is a need for means to record relative proximity without placing holes in the green. Of course a proximity marker stuck anywhere in the ground can be a nuisance as an obstacle that can be unfairly moved between players.
• U.S. Pat. No. 3,834,030 (Hanson; Sep. 10, 1974) discloses a closest to pin measurer that provides a post for fitting in the flag pin hole of the cup and an attachment point for the free end of a tape measure. Although this helps provide a consistent measurement point at the cup, it appears to be a nuisance to use and to store when not in use, since it must be put into the cup in place of the flag pin for use, then taken out and stored somewhere when the flag is replaced.
• U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,232 (Lang; Nov. 14, 1989) discloses a distance measuring device wherein a T-handled stake fits into the flag pin hole of the cup (in place of the flag pin) and a tape measure that is stored in a U-shaped holder on the stake can be pulled away from the stake to make a measurement. The free end of the tape is secured to the stake. A card holder is also attached to the stake to replace a movable position-indicating proximity marker. This device apparently suffers from essentially the same limitations as Hanson regarding nuisance.
• Both Hanson and Lang join many other prior art measurement devices in using a measurement method of holding the free end of a tape or string at the hole, and pulling the tape measure body out to the ball. A problem with this method is that the body is bulky and often awkward to position accurately against the ball without moving it; and if the body is pulled past the ball, then a reading on the tape measure must be made by lining up the horizontal tape with a consistent point of the round ball while avoiding parallax errors—something that very few people can do well.
• U.S. Pat. No. 4,273,329 (Trigg et al.; Jun. 16, 1981) reverses the measurement in the embodiment of hisFIGS. 2-3 by clipping the body on the flag pin and pulling the free end of a string out to the ball. This also avoids the nuisance of having an extra device lying around the green since it clips onto the existing flag pin. However, Trigg et al.'s device is apparently designed for being carried by an individual golfer, not for leaving at a hole. Thus it has a string for relative, but not measureable, distance determination; and the body of the device is held in a horizontal plane when clipped on the flag pin, making it difficult to read if a tape measure were to be substituted since the tape would be vertical. Thus it has a belt clip but not a substantial clip for secure or permanent attachment to the flag pin. Trigg's flag pin clip comprises a reel housing (14) onto which are rotatably attached a left clip half (42) and a right clip half (46). The right clip half (42) has an arcuate portion and the left clip half (46) has an arcuate portion, the ends of which engage each other at a meeting point (50). A spring (54) biases the right and left clip halves (42,46) into engagement at point (50).
• Since Trigg et al.'s device is intended for personal carrying such as on a belt, his clip must be relatively thin and appears to be wire-formed and somewhat “flimsy”. It appears that if the spring is not strong enough then the device would be easily pulled off the flag pin during use, especially since the stress is applied primarily at the meeting point of the two clip halves. On the other hand, making the spring stronger could easily cause problems wherein if the wire is bent somewhat to result in mis-alignment of the clip halves at the meeting point, then the halves would not meet but would bypass each other. Therefore Trigg et al.'s device would not appear to be suitable for contest use: it is not rugged enough for many players to use/abuse; and it won't stay up off the ground if left clipped onto the flag pin.
• Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide apparatus and method of use for accurately and consistently measuring proximity to the hole for a plurality of golf players. Its an added object to be able to make such measurements and record them for many players as each plays through a given hole where the device would be stored for use by all.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• Invention concerns apparatus for accurately measuring the distance from a golf ball to the hole on a putting green, i.e., for determining proximity, especially in golf competitions to see who can hit their ball onto the green to end up in closest proximity to the hole.
• An accessory to the measurement device is a proximity marker for recording the proximity measurements.
• The invention comprises apparatus and method for conveniently storing and using the measurement device(s).
• For proximity measurements, the device is configured to removably and repositionably attach a tape measure to a flag pin (generally the flag pin in the hole on the green in contest). The proximity marker is similarly configured.
• For storage of the device when not in use, the devices include spring clips and optional security ring to impede unauthorized removal from flag pin. These storage components allow the devices to either be kept at a single green or to be kept by a player while advancing from hole to hole. The spring clips will clamp the devices onto poles and posts, including, for example, the flag pin and a proximity marker (optionally a post on a golf cart).
• Two exemplary versions of a spring clip are disclosed: A U-shaped strip of spring metal, and a hinged, spring-biased clamp.
• The devices additionally address greens maintenance issues wherein holes left by the ground stake of a typical proximity marker are damaging to the bent grass on the green. The round hole perhaps a half inch in diameter that is left by a proximity marker is too big to close easily and thus leaves a spot for foreign grass seed to access the underlying dirt, plant itself and grow where it is not wanted. When using either inventive device the proximity marker can be staked in a fixed location near to but not on the green, and can still be used for holding written records of measured proximity for players. Alternatively, the proximity marker can be clipped onto the flag pin, thereby eliminating the need for any kind of post stuck into the ground.
• Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in light of the following description thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Reference will be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures. The figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these preferred embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the spirit and scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
• Certain elements in selected ones of the drawings may be illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity. The cross-sectional views, if any, presented herein may be in the form of “slices”, or “near-sighted” cross-sectional views, omitting certain background lines which would otherwise be visible in a true cross-sectional view, for illustrative clarity.
• Elements of the figures can be numbered such that similar (including identical) elements may be referred to with similar numbers in a single drawing. For example, each of a plurality of elements collectively referred to as 199 may be referred to individually as 199a, 199b, 199c, etc. Such relationships, if any, between similar elements in the same or different figures will become apparent throughout the specification, including, if applicable, in the claims and abstract.
• The structure, operation, and advantages of the present preferred embodiment of the invention will become further apparent upon consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tape measure clamped onto a flag pin and being used to measure proximity of a golf ball to the hole, according to the invention.
• FIG. 2 is a side view of a tape measure with a clip attached to it, according to the invention.
• FIG. 3 is a top view of the tape measure and clip ofFIG. 2, according to the invention.
• FIG. 4 is a top view of a tape measure with a second embodiment of a clip attached to it, according to the invention.
• FIG. 5 is a plan view of the tape measure and clip ofFIG. 4, according to the invention.
• FIG. 6 is a partial top view of the tape measure and clip ofFIG. 3, with a security ring added, according to the invention.
• FIG. 7 is a front view of a proximity sign and a tape measure being clipped onto it, according to the invention.
• FIG. 8 is a side view of a proximity sign and a tape measure that is clipped onto it, according to the invention.
• FIG. 9 is a plan view of the back of a proximity sign with an attached clip being used to clamp the sign onto a flag pin, according to the invention.
• FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a two-diameter flag pin in a cup shown in cross section, with a tape clamp device shown clamped onto the pin in a position for measurement use and in a higher position for storage out of the way, all according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• FIGS. 1-8 show various views of an inventive measuringtape clamp device100 with three exemplary embodiments of a spring clip2 (individually referenced asclips2a,2b,and2c).FIG. 1 shows thedevice100 in use for measuring proximity of a golf ball54 to aflag pin52 in ahole160 on a green.FIG. 10 shows details of thepin52 as it is typically held in anaxial hole164 at the bottom of acylindrical cup162 that defines thehole160.
• Thetape clamp device100 uses a conventional reel type of tape measure7 comprising aflexible measuring tape8 spooled around a rotational axis “A” in a housing6 such that a free end9 of thetape8 extends out of the housing6 tangential to the axis A, and the housing6 has at least oneside104 that is at least partially normal to the axis A. The reel may have a coil spring driven rewind with a thumb slide lock as illustrated inFIGS. 2-3. The reel may have a folding crank arm to rewind thetape8 as shown inFIG. 4. Many variations are possible of course, the only requirement being that the measuringtape8 can be extended outward and retracted, and hasmeasurement indices19 on it (e.g., inches and fractions thereof). This allows for numeric distance measurements. For large greens, a fiftyfoot measuring tape8 may be required.
• A clip2 is mounted (e.g., riveted14) on thehousing side104. Other types of mounting attachment are within the scope of the invention, such as, for example, adhesive, or releasable mounting like hook and loop fastener12 (shown inFIG. 8).
• Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, a first embodiment of thetape clamp device100 is shown wherein a U-shapedspringy metal clip2ais utilized. Theclip2ais seen to be in the form of springy sheet metal (although other materials can be used as known) bent into a roughly U shape wherein two opposingfingers10 are biased together by the metal's springiness to clamp thedevice100 onto poles and posts, including, especially, theflag pin52. Theclip2ahas anaperture102 therethrough with an inside dimension “ID” and a longitudinal dimension “L” that is substantially perpendicular to the axis A of the tape measure7. Even though the illustratedclip2ahas two sets ofspring fingers10, theirapertures102 are aligned to effectively create an overall aperture length (longitudinal dimension) L. In order to springingly clamp onto theflag pin52, the aperture's inside dimension ID is at least slightly less than the flag pin's ground level diameter D1 (seeFIGS. 1 and 10), and the aperture's longitudinal dimension L is greater than the flag pin's ground level diameter D1, preferably significantly greater, such as by a factor of two or more. The ratio prevents turning of the tape measure7 about its axis A as thetape8 is pulled out, and also helps securely gripping thepin52.
• Referring now toFIGS. 4 and 5, a hinged type ofclip2bis shown. This second embodiment of the clip2 is like those used on clipboards wherein the two opposed fingers are rigid but joined by ahinge pin114. A coiledtorsion spring112 provides the spring bias about thehinge pin114 that drives the clamping action for this hingedclip2bembodiment. One side (finger)115 is attached to the tape measure7. The other comprises a moving or clampingfinger116 and preferably alever arm118 on the other side of thehinge pin114 to make clamping and unclamping easier. Of course other types of springs and variations of finger shape are well known for spring clips or clamps, and all functional equivalents are therefore within the scope of this invention.
• As best seen inFIGS. 5 and 20, thetape8 exits the housing6 through anopening20 that is oriented suitably for convenient and accurate reading of whichever index mark on thetape8 lines up with theopening20, which therefore can also be called the “measure-to”point20. As illustrated inFIGS. 1,5 and10, the spring clip2 must be mounted on thehousing side104 such that the longitudinal dimension L of theaperture102 is perpendicular to the tangentially extendingtape8 at the point where it exits the housing6 through the opening20 (since theopening20 determines which tangential direction is followed relative to the housing6). This assures that thetape8 will extend outward parallel to the ground when the clip2 is clamped on aflag pin52.
• Important features of the hinged embodiment ofclip2bare: afinger116 size that allows opening far enough to clamp/clip onto a suitable range of rod or post diameters; and a curledouter end125 of theclamp finger116 that creates an appropriate minimum aperture dimension ID but still is able to hook around a post when opened as wide as needed. A suitable range is enough to accommodate flag pins52 in all available diameters (e.g., ½ and ¾ inch), noting that some flag pins52 have a smaller ground level diameter D1 (e.g., ½″) near the ground but taper out to a larger diameter D2 (e.g., ¾″) higher up as shown inFIG. 10. Thus the clip2 on atape clamp device100 used as shown inFIG. 10 must be able to clamp on the smaller diameter D1 part of thepin52 when making a measurement, then must be able to clamp on the larger diameter D2 part of thepin52 for storage between measurements so that thetape clamp device100 is out of the way during play. Furthermore, if a post on a golf cart is to be gripped by the sametape clamp device100 that must clip on theflag pin52, then the hinged type ofclip2bwould probably be better than thespringy metal clip2adescribed previously, since the hinged style can be easily designed to clip on a much wider range of rod diameters.
• Another advantage of the hinged embodiment of thespring clip2bis that it will clip onto a flat surface as well as onto a rod, therefore thetape clamp device100 can use the hinged embodiment of thespring clip2bfor clamping it onto the proximitymarker sign board51, without the need for anoptional belt clip16 as used inFIGS. 7-8. Also, the hingedclip2bcould be used to clamp thetape clamp device100 onto the ground-engaging post (ground stake)50 of theproximity marker sign51, even though thestake50 is apt to have a smaller diameter.
• FIG. 9 shows an inventive clamping proximity sign101. Instead of a permanently affixed ground stake50 (seeFIG. 8), thesign51 has a clip2 (preferably a hingedclip2b) attached to aback side151 of theproximity sign51. This enables theflat sign part51 of the proximity marker to be clamped on any rod, not just itsnormal ground stake50. Preferably the clamping proximity sign101 is clamped on theflag pin52, thereby eliminating holes in the green from theground stake50, and also thereby positioning thesign51 up out of the way of play.
• Additional features of the second, preferred embodiment of the spring clip2, i.e., the “hinged spring clip”2b,include any obvious variations of the following functional elements. The curledouter end125 of theclamp finger116 can be more or less curled to adapt a given overall size of hinged spring clip to a suitable range of rod diameters. For example, aclamp finger end125 may be more curled for use on theproximity sign51 in order to clamp it onto aground stake50 which is a relatively small diameter rod. On the other hand, the hingedspring clip2bon theproximity sign51 ofFIG. 9 has less of a curl because it is intended for use to clamp onto rods with a wider range of rod diameters, such as from 0.50 inch to 0.75 inch for flag pins52. Of course, a bigger overall size for the hingedspring clip2bwill also allow clamping onto bigger rods. Obviously this discussion concerning a hingedspring clip2bon the clamping proximity sign101 equally applies to atape clamp device100 with a hingedspring clip2bas shown inFIGS. 4-5. InFIG. 5 a partial length of aflag pin52 is shown in dashed outline where it would be clamped in theclip2b.
• The hinged embodiment of thespring clip2bas shown can easily have much wider fingers116 (longitudinal dimension L) for gripping a longer portion of a rod, thereby improving the grip to help prevent sliding down therod52 and/or falling off. For further gripping improvement, a resilient pad or other type ofhigh friction surface110 can be attached inside theaperture102, e.g., to the underside of the clampingfinger116 as shown inFIG. 4.
• Thespring finger10 style ofclip2ahas itsaperture102 longitudinally split in one place106c,while the hinged type ofclip2bhas a longitudinal split in twoplaces106a,106b.In other words, theapertures102 of these two embodiments of clip2 have a longitudinal opening that allows them to be laterally moved onto or off of a longitudinally extending rod (e.g.,50,52) or planar edge (e.g., edge of proximity sign51). Although such an arrangement is convenient, it also makes it easy for a miscreant to steal thetape clamp device100 from theflag pin52.FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of clip2, a secure clip2c,that has anadditional security ring120 affixed across thelongitudinal split106 of the clip2 (e.g.,clip2a). This closes the open portion of theaperture102 to inhibit unauthorized removal from theflag pin52. Of course it could still be slid off the top end of theflag pin52, but a larger diameter ring or flange on thepin52 under the flag could prevent that. It can be seen that an equivalent form of secure clip2cwould be aclosed aperture102 withfingers10,115,116 that are spring biased toward reducing the inside dimension ID.
• FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of aproximity marker sign51 with arecord sheet48 held therein. Using the inventivetape clamp device100 to accurately measure and produce numeric proximity distances enables an improved method for determining the winner in a closest-to-the-pin contest. Instead of pushing aproximity marker stake50 into the ground of the green wherever the closest ball landed, now theproximity sign51 can be kept in one place not on the green, and the numeric proximity distance as measured by thetape clamp device100 can be simply handwritten on therecord sheet48 held by theproximity sign51. Each player in turn measures his proximity distance and compares it with the lowest number on thesign51. If the player determines that his proximity distance is lower than the previous low, he can write the new lowest number on thesign51 along with his name. By also using the inventive clamping proximity sign101, thesign51 is clamped onto theflag pin52 above thetape clamp device100, thereby removing an obstacle from the ground.
• Referring toFIGS. 1 and 10, an inventive method of proximity measurement utilizes thetape clamp device100 in the following steps:
• 1. Leaving theflag pin52 in thehole160, slide, or otherwise reposition and clamp the clip2 of thedevice100 on theflag pin52 such that the measuringtape8 is approximately at ground level.
• 2. Rotate thedevice100 and/or theflag pin52 so that thetape8 extends in the direction of the ball54 that is to be measured.
• 3. Pull thetape8 out of the tape measure7 toward the ball54 and stop when the tape end9 touches the nearest point on the surface of the ball54.
• 4. Observe the proximity distance indicated by theindices19 where they align with the measure-to point20 of the tape measure7 (e.g., where thetape8 passes into the housing6). This reading can be used even though it doesn't go to the center of thehole160, because it will be off by a fixed amount that is equal for all players. If desired, the fixed distance can be added to the reading, or theindices19 can be pre-adjusted to compensate.
• 5. Record the observed proximity measurement numeric value on theproximity sign51 if it is a new low value.—OR—compare measurements with those for other balls54 presently on the green to accurately determine “who's away”.
• 6. For measuring proximity of a plurality of balls54 that are simultaneously on the green, thetape8 is left pulled out, and thepin52 is rotated until thetape8 extends toward the next ball54 to be measured.
• 7. Rewind thetape8 into the tape measure7.
• 8. Slide, or otherwise reposition and clamp the clip2 on theflag pin52 at an elevation sufficient to avoid interference with game play, thus storing thetape clamp device100 until it is needed again.
• Preferably the inventive clamping proximity sign101 is also employed in the above method, the clip2 attached to thesign51 being clamped onto theflag pin52 above thetape clamp device100.
• Given the teaching of the present disclosure, a designer of ordinary skill should be able to make theinventive devices100,101 and the clips2 (2a,2b,2c) out of a variety of materials (plastic, metal, etc.), and with a variety of appearances, shapes and combinations of the features discussed herein, as long as the various design changes do not impair the functionality described herein. All such variations are within the scope of the present invention.
• Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character—it being understood that only preferred embodiments have been shown and described, and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention as claimed are desired to be protected. Undoubtedly, many other “variations” on the “themes” set forth hereinabove will occur to one having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention most nearly pertains, and such variations are intended to be within the scope of the invention, as disclosed herein.

Claims (8)

1. An apparatus for use in playing golf, wherein a distance is measured between a hole on a green and a golf ball, the hole being defined by a cylindrical internal cup with a central axial hole at its bottom, the axial hole removably holding a round flag pin with a first diameter where it extends up above a top, ground level edge of the hole; the apparatus comprising:

a reel type of tape measure comprising a flexible measuring tape that has measurement indices on it, spooled on a rotational axis in a housing such that a free end of the measuring tape extends out of the housing tangential to the rotational axis, and the housing has a side that is at least partially normal to the rotational axis; and

a clip mounted on the housing side, the clip having an aperture therethrough with an inside dimension and also a longitudinal dimension that is substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the tape measure, wherein:

the clip is mounted on the housing side such that the longitudinal dimension of the aperture is perpendicular to the tangentially extending tape;

the aperture's inside dimension is at least slightly less than the flag pin first diameter, and the aperture's longitudinal dimension is greater than the flag pin first diameter;

the clip aperture is longitudinally split in two places; and the apparatus further comprises:

a hinge at one of the split places to form the clip as a clamp;

a spring biasing the clamp closed around the hinge; and

a lever arm on a moving part of the clamp.

2. The apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising:

a high friction surface in the aperture.

3. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted for use with a flag pin that has a second diameter at a point elevated above the ground, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter; then the apparatus further comprises:

clamp structure having a range of operation and an aperture shape and inside dimension sufficient to clamp onto the flag pin at a point having either the first or the second diameter.

4. The apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising:

a security ring comprising a band that is affixed across any opening created by the longitudinal split in the clip aperture;

thereby inhibiting unauthorized removal of the apparatus from the flag pin, while still allowing use of the apparatus.

5. The apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising:

a planar proximity marker sign having a front surface and a back surface; and

a sign clip mounted on the back surface, the sign clip having an aperture therethrough with an inside dimension, and also a longitudinal dimension that is substantially parallel to the back surface, wherein:

the sign clip aperture is longitudinally split in two places; and the apparatus further comprises:

a hinge at one of the sign clip split places to form the sign clip as a clamp;

a spring biasing the sign clip clamp closed around its hinge; and

a lever arm on a moving part of the sign clip clamp.

6. The apparatus according toclaim 5, further comprising:

a high friction surface in the sign clip aperture.

7. A method for use in playing golf, being a method of determining closest proximity for a golf ball of one of a plurality of players; wherein a distance is measured between a hole on a green and a golf ball, the hole being defined by a cylindrical internal cup with a central axial hole at its bottom, the axial hole removably holding a round flag pin with a first diameter where it extends up above a top, ground level edge of the hole; the method comprising the steps of:

providing a tape clamp device that comprises a tape measure with a flexible measuring tape that has measurement indices on it, spooled on a rotational axis in a housing such that a free end of the measuring tape extends out of the housing tangential to the rotational axis, and further comprising a spring clamp that is mounted on a side of the housing that is at least partially normal to the rotational axis;

using the spring clamp to clamp the tape measure onto the flag pin;

leaving the flag pin in the hole;

sliding, or otherwise positioning and clamping the tape clamp device on the flag pin such that the measuring tape is approximately at ground level;

rotating the tape measure or the flag pin such that the measuring tape extends in the direction of the golf ball;

extending the measuring tape out of the tape measure, along the ground toward the golf ball, and stopping when the measuring tape's free end touches the golf ball at a point that is nearest to the flag pin;

observing the proximity distance indicated by the measuring tape indices;

retracting the measuring tape into the tape measure; and

sliding, or otherwise positioning and clamping the tape clamp device on the flag pin at an elevation sufficient to avoid interference with game play, thereby storing the measuring tape until it is needed again.

8. The method according toclaim 7, further comprising the steps of:

providing a proximity sign that comprises a writing surface and a sign spring clamp;

using the sign spring clamp to clamp the proximity sign onto the flag pin above the tape clamp device, thereby removing an obstacle from the ground; and

optionally recording the observed proximity measurement on the proximity sign.

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